Publications
Revealing European cave shrimp diversity: a new species of Spelaeocaris (Decapoda, Atyidae) named through public participation
A new species of cave shrimp, Spelaeocaris electa, has been discovered in the Vjetrenica Cave, part of the Dinaric Karst in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This finding underscores the region's exceptional subterranean biodiversity and high endemism. The discovery was made through multiple field campaigns between 2013 and 2021, with specimens analyzed for phylogenetic relationships, revealing a close kinship with Spelaeocaris hercegovinensis. Notably, the species name 'electa' was chosen through public participation, aiming to engage local communities in scientific processes and raise awareness about subterranean biodiversity. The study highlights the need for continued taxonomic research and conservation efforts in this unique ecosystem.
The Subterranean Species of the Vjetrenica Cave System in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vjetrenica Cave System in Bosnia and Herzegovina, comprising Vjetrenica and Bjelušica Caves along with Lukavac Spring, is revealed as the second richest locality globally for subterranean biodiversity. The study reports 93 troglobiotic taxa—48 aquatic and 45 terrestrial—with 40 species described exclusively from this system. Researchers compiled data from historical monographs and recent field surveys to highlight its unique fauna, while also addressing threats posed by infrastructural development in the region.
Algae and cyanobacteria in the aphotic habitats of Veternica Cave (Medvednica Mt., Croatia) and selected caves of the Dinaric karst (South-Eastern Europe)
Research reveals that microphototrophs, including algae and cyanobacteria, persist in the aphotic zones of Veternica Cave (Croatia) and other Dinaric karst caves, challenging assumptions about their presence solely in illuminated cave entrances. Despite being passively transported from surface habitats, live diatoms, green algae, golden-brown algae, and filamentous cyanobacteria were detected year-round, with their distribution influenced by hydrological conditions rather than distance from the entrance. The study, spanning a decade, highlights the role of these microphototrophs in cave food webs and calls for further investigation into their species identification, abundance, survival, and environmental determinants.
Conservation of Continental Mysida and Stygiomysida
A groundbreaking assessment reveals the conservation status of continental Mysida and Stygiomysida crustaceans, with 86 species identified globally. Three species are critically endangered (CR), including Diamysis pusilla from the Eastern Caspian Sea, last recorded in the 1930s, and two from Italy's Salento Peninsula. Three stenoendemic species are endangered (EN), such as Troglomysis vjetrenicensis from Vjetrenica Cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while two others are vulnerable (VU). The study highlights threats like hydrological changes, habitat degradation, sediment intrusion, and deforestation, posing risks to these poorly studied invertebrates. This first comprehensive evaluation provides critical data for global and national conservation efforts.
Some Representative Subterranean Communities
Subterranean ecosystems exhibit remarkable diversity, with distinct communities thriving in varied shallow and deep habitats. This study highlights representative subterranean communities across 15 globally significant sites, including Vjetrenica Cave (Bosnia & Herzegovina), showcasing their unique adaptations to environments like epikarst, calcrete aquifers, lava tubes, and phreatic aquifers. The research employs comparative analysis to elucidate the ecological characteristics of these communities, emphasizing their resilience in extreme conditions such as chemoautotrophic caves (Peştera Movile, Romania) and anchialine systems (Šipun, Croatia). By synthesizing data from temperate (Mammoth Cave, Kentucky) and tropical (Gua Salukkan Kallang, Sulawesi, Indonesia) cave habitats, the study underscores the broad ecological significance of subterranean life, offering insights into their evolutionary and environmental dynamics.
Biological Monitoring in Caves
A study of 20 caves with high species diversity (at least 20 obligate cave organisms) reveals that even heavily modified and frequently visited tourist caves can support rich biodiversity, challenging the assumption that human activity is incompatible with ecological health. The research highlights the need for rigorous biological monitoring to track changes in fauna density and taxonomic composition, particularly when planning new installations or modifications. Recommended methods include long-term sampling, baiting techniques for both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and the use of pitfall traps. This approach ensures that surface species do not outcompete endemic cave fauna while allowing for sustainable tourism.
Molecular Characterization of Aquatic Bacterial Communities in Dinaric Range Caves
Dinaric limestone cave systems, recognized as biodiversity hotspots, harbor unique microbial communities with significant ecological and evolutionary implications. A study analyzing filamentous microbial biofilms from three Dinaric caves—Vjetrenica, Veternica, and Izvor Bistrac—revealed distinct phylogenetic distributions, highlighting the prevalence of Nitrospirae in Vjetrenica (60%) and Veternica (36%), while Alphaproteobacteria (41%) and Firmicutes (32%) dominated in Izvor Bistrac. The research also identified three novel uncultured candidate divisions (OP3, WS5, OD1), underscoring the unexplored diversity of subterranean microbial life. This molecular characterization, combining 16S rRNA-based phylogeny with protein-coding gene analysis, provides critical insights into the structure and function of cave bacterial communities, offering potential new avenues for studying microbial evolution and its role in supporting subterranean ecosystems.
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